South Korean shipping giant HMM is re-entering Transatlantic trade with the launch of the Transatlantic 1 service in collaboration with Ocean Network Express. The service, set to begin in February 2025, will connect North Europe with the US West Coast, marking HMM's return to the trade after 2018. The service will have a 10-week turnaround time, with ports including Southampton, Le Havre, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Miami, and Los Angeles. HMM is also launching the INX service, connecting Western India to Northern Europe, starting in February 2025.

Ocean Network Express is launching a new Indian Ocean Express service to connect India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan with North Europe. The service will also feature a transshipment option via Colombo for East India and Bangladesh customers. The inaugural voyage from Nhava Sheva to North Europe will begin on 5th February 2025 aboard the Hyundai Oakland. Due to security concerns in the Red Sea, IOX will operate via the Cape of Good Hope, with a service rotation including Karachi, Hazira, Mundra, Colombo, London Gateway, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp.

UltraTech Cement has become the first cement company in India to transport gypsum via National Waterway 1 (Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system) in a pilot project. The pilot, flagged off by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at Kolkata’s G.R. Jetty, involves shipping gypsum from Haldia Port to Gaighat terminal in Patna, Bihar, for UltraTech’s cement unit. Supported by the Inland Waterways Authority of India and Shipping Corporation of India, this initiative aligns with UltraTech’s sustainability goals and the government’s Maritime India Vision 2030, emphasizing green logistics and the use of inland waterways for efficient transport.

The Suez Canal Container Terminal marked a key milestone in its expansion with the arrival of the Zhenhua 35 vessel, delivering crucial equipment including four super post-panamax ZPMC quay cranes and six electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes. The new cranes, capable of twin-lifting 65-ton containers and handling up to 100 tons, signify a major technological upgrade. Additionally, SCCT, in partnership with APM Terminals and Kalmar, has piloted an electric Reach Stacker to support its decarbonisation goals, with positive initial feedback.

As shippers brace for potential tariff storms and port gridlocks in 2025, uncertainties abound ahead of a possible Trump 2.0 presidency. Ocean freight spot rates from China to the U.S. have dropped recently but remain higher than last year. Despite expected demand declines, November volumes remained steady. With new U.S. tariffs looming—such as 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 10% on Chinese goods—shippers are taking a wait-and-see approach. High U.S. inventory levels, coupled with frontloading before contract expirations, may delay significant rate surges. The tariff and port situation remains volatile as key contract deadlines approach in January.